Elizabethtown board leans toward hybrid renovation option for high‑ and middle‑school project; formal vote set for March 24

Elizabethtown Area School District trustees spent the bulk of their March workshop examining three options for the high school/middle school complex: renovate the high school, a hybrid approach that pairs some new construction with renovations, or a full new build. The board heard the feasibility study and cost estimates from RLPS, asked detailed questions about contingencies and change orders, and tentatively coalesced around the hybrid option ahead of a March 24 vote.

"Fiscal responsibility is what kicked the can down the road for so many years with our school boards," said Board member Mr. Gillis during opening remarks, arguing the district needs to invest now for long‑term savings. RLPS representatives responded that the proposals already include soft‑cost contingencies: "There's the construction cost, and you have soft cost...within your soft cost you have a contingency built into that," an RLPS speaker said during the presentation.

Board members split along familiar lines: some favor a full new build for long‑term utility and maintenance savings and to address the school's large footprint, while others urged caution about upfront borrowing and the district's capacity to carry higher debt service. Trustees discussed projected cost ranges offered in the presentation and the potential utility‑cost savings of new construction versus renovation. Several members noted enrollment projections and changing educational needs as factors that could alter long‑term facility needs.

Superintendent and administration repeatedly told the board that final design, phasing, and public engagement would follow a selection of an option, and that conceptual images presented are starting points rather than final designs. The facilities chair said the board will vote on a recommended option on March 24.

The district also asked RLPS whether specific program elements — for example, whether a new middle school would require its own auditorium or gym — could be adjusted in the hybrid approach; RLPS said the current hybrid program assumes shared high‑school facilities but that the program and cost estimates can be revised if the board directs changes.

The board heard related facilities business during the meeting — including bids for HVAC work at East High Elementary and replacement/maintenance quotes for gym floors and asphalt — and reserved final vendor approvals for the March 24 meeting. Trustees thanked RLPS for the presentation and acknowledged the decision will have long‑term budget implications for taxpayers and district operations.

The board will formally consider and vote on the facilities option at its March 24 meeting; members emphasized further public engagement, additional cost detail, and iterative design work would follow any selection.